New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has issued a challenge to supporters of gay marriage in Washington state to match a $250,000 donation he has pledged.

Bloomberg, a wealthy philanthropist and strong advocate of same-sex marriage, also issued $125,000 challenges to each of the gay marriage campaigns in Maine and Minnesota, where the question is also on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Earlier this month, the mayor donated $250,000 to the Maryland campaign.

Voters in Washington, Maryland and Maine will be asked to approve or reject gay marriage while those in Minnesota will decide whether to ban such unions in their state constitution.

In a statement issued Monday, Bloomberg said, “I was proud to support the successful push for marriage equality in New York State, and I’m proud to stand with supporters around the country.

“I do not believe that government has any business telling one class of couples that they cannot marry.”

Last week, Bloomberg announced formation of a new effort to support local, state and federal candidates and referenda across the country that hold positions similar to his in areas of illegal weapons, education reform and marriage equality.

About this blog

Politics Northwest is the go-to blog for politics in our region. The blog explores national, state and local political news and issues. Reporters from Washington, D.C., to Seattle City Hall to the state capital in Olympia contribute. Editors are Richard Wagoner and Beth Kaiman.